US justice department approves $111bn merger of Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery

The U.S. Department of Justice approved the $111 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery on June 12, 2026. This decision followed months of antitrust review, despite significant concerns from within the entertainment and media industries. Critics argue the merger will reduce competition by consolidating film studios and potentially merging news networks, specifically Paramount's CBS News and Warner Bros. Discovery's CNN. The approval comes from the antitrust division of the Department of Justice, which was led by Donald Trump's administration. However, the deal still faces scrutiny in the United Kingdom, where a new investigation has been launched. Additionally, the merger could be challenged by a lawsuit from state attorneys general. The Ellison family controls Paramount Skydance, while Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent company of networks including CNN and HBO.